Tips to beat that résumé parser

I uploaded my résumé to parse and it did not parse correctly.

When applying for jobs online, we recommend having two digital versions of your résumé handy - your professional, visually pleasing document and a basic, barely formatted version for those ATSs using a parser.

There are millions of résumé templates out there. Résumé parsers* found in an ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) just need the facts (raw data) to quickly input the data into basic, pre-determined fields found on employment application forms.

Save that visually pleasing, beautifully formatted, with just the right color scheme and custom-made font, résumé to email directly to a recruiter or hand to a person at a networking event.

Below are proven suggestions, from the experts, for an easier parsing experience:

No templates - The résumé templates found in Word are handy, but since they require you to enter your info using fields and tables, they can confuse an ATS (applicant tracking system). You’re better off starting from scratch.
Keep it simple - Don’t confuse the system with borders, horizontal lines, tables, and text boxes. Plain text is best—and be sure to use a standard font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial since it’s sometimes difficult for software to discern letters of “fancier” fonts.
Have white space - An ATS needs to differentiate between different sections of your résumé to know where to dump what data, so white space is key. Use standard section names such as “Work Experience” and “Education” so the software knows where to find everything.
Be consistent - ATS software is programmed to pick up on patterns, so if your first position lists the company first, followed by the title, dates, and duties, the rest of your positions should follow the same format (and don't put the dates first). This will increase your chances of the right data going to the right place.
No headers/footers - Since some filtering software ignores headers and footers, don’t use them for important information like your name, phone number, etc.
Use the right keywords - A little internet research will help find popular keywords in your industry. Avoid acronyms unless they’re included in the job description.

*Resume parser is software that extracts data to be stored, analyzed and searched.